A’s claim Jeff Francis on waivers from Reds

The A’s have just picked up lefty Jeff Francis, the longtime former starter for Colorado, on a waiver claim from the Reds.

San Diego Padres v Cincinnati Reds - Game Two

Jeff Francis #26 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during the second game of a doubleheader against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park on May 15, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The announcement will be made after the game.

The A’s need a fill-in for lefty Joe Savery, who is going on paternity leave for at least the next two days. Beyond that, it’s not clear what Oakland’s plans are for Francis, if any.

UPDATE: The A’s optioned Savery to Triple-A Sacramento rather than placing him on paternity leave; he will have several days, though, before he has to report and his wife, Jennifer, is scheduled to have labor induced tomorrow in Sacramento. Savery worked two scoreless innings to finish up today’s 13-3 win at Cleveland. Infield Jake Elmore (quad strain) was moved to the 60-day DL in order to create a 40-man roster spot for Francis.

With Drew Pomeranz now in Oakland’s rotation after starting the season as the long man, the team was looking for a long-relief candidate and spot-starter type, and Francis fit the bill. The A’s got away with not having a true long man on Saturday night when Scott Kazmir was ejected in the second inning; Dan Otero went a career-high 3 2/3 innings because he was absurdly efficient (32 pitches), but you can’t expect that all the time.

Pomeranz played with Francis in Colorado and, he said, “He’s a great clubhouse guy, he throws a lot of different pitches, he locates the ball well. He has a lot of experience. He’s a good guy to have around, a good addition.”

Francis, 33, made one start for the Reds and allowed five hits and three runs in five innings, and he was designated for assignment two days ago.